The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Knockout Spot Despite Late Tunisia Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year the Napoli star helped Nigeria establish a 3-0 lead, before they were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning late rally from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal cushion with just 17 minutes left thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The tension intensified when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee review identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley past the upright.
Securing Top Spot
The victory means that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on 3 previous occasions, advance to six points and are assured first place in Group C with a match left to play.
For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed side from one of the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, Tunisia stay on 3 group points, with the East African teams locked on a single point each after playing out a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding pool fixtures will see Nigeria stay in the city to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi smashed home from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous tournament, become the next team after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a tense conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for offside before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was doubled soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a looping cross struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Their fate remains in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.